What's Happening in Fiji

When it comes to Fiji we all immediately think of crystal-clear water and sandy beaches, welcoming smiles and balmy evenings. And yet there is so much more to the experience than kicking back in a lounge chair with a cocktail – there is a myriad of ways to dig deeper into the culture through food. Whether that is learning how to create local dishes or dining on seafood in the middle of the ocean.

Vavavi

Vavavi provides a unique cooking and cultural experience where participants learn the art of lovo – a traditional Fijian feast. Cooked for special occasions in an underground oven, meat and vegetables are wrapped taro leaves with corned beef, coconut cream and onions. Cooked on coals under the earth the parcels are then retrieved, revealing meltingly tender meat with a sweetly smoky flavour. vavavifiji.com

Vasaqa-Wailoaloa

A gastronomic smokehouse experience awaits with culinary delights such as Smoked Chicken Wings with Bang Bang Sauce, Pickled Cucumber and Red Onion, 10-hour Smoked Brisket and 8-hour Spit Roasted Pork. At Vasaqa-Wailoaloa the menu is carefully created by expert chefs, using fresh local ingredients. vasaqa.com

Lautoka Markets

The Lautoka Markets attract both locals and tourists alike, to peruse, buy and try a myriad of products from the region. From fruits and vegetables to handicrafts and seafood the market offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Fijian produce.

Indigo

In the heart of Port Denarau, Indigo is a culinary gem featuring Indian and Asian Cuisines with a tropical twist. Think Masala Crab in Cashew and Coconut Gravy, Fijian Fresh Goat Curry and Yellow Curry of Waiu. The chefs work their magic with flavours and spices work on fresh local produce. indigofiji.com

Sails

Tropical Island? Check. Fresh Seafood? Check. Sensational dishes to share with a glass of your favourite New Zealand or Australian drop? Check! Sails in Denarau has a vision of serving the freshest seafood Fiji has to offer – from ocean to fork and delivers in spades with dishes like the Moala Stack made up of silky lobster, sweet Moala prawns, fire-roasted eggplant relish and line-caught lemon Vatu-I-Ra fish. Another popular item on the menu is the Celebration Fish, a whole line-caught marinated Diamond fish, stone- baked, with a fiery Wai Tom Tom dipping sauce and cooling Miti on the side. sailsfiji.com

Kanu by Lance Seeto

Often compared to greats such as Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain, Aussie-born chef Lance Seeto has taken fine dining in Fiji to the next level. His Chef’s Table experience is part storytelling, part cooking class, part lunch or dinner to which he brings the intensity of his own unique story partnered with his love for Fiji. The 5-course degustation fuses Indigenous Indian, Asian and Sri Lankan flavours and techniques with dishes like Kokoda, citrus- cured fish, with nama seaweed salsa, hand- squeezed smoked coconut milk, lime and passionfruit and Kubou, coconut-smoked pork belly, with cassava puree, roquette, sun-blessed tomatoes and coconut and rum caramel. kanufiji.com

Explore more about Fiji here at www.fiji.com.fj/nz